English grammar – Spot the error (choose the segment with the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “We have observed that many good programmes suffer of shortage of funds and other resources.”
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AWe have observed that
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Bmany good programmes
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Csuffer of shortage
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Dof funds and other resources.
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EError.
Answer
Correct Answer: suffer of shortage
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This item checks idiomatic preposition choice with the verb “suffer”. In standard usage, “suffer from” is followed by a condition or deficiency. Using “of” after “suffer” is non-idiomatic in this sense.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Clause: “programmes suffer … shortage of funds”.
- We need the correct preposition after “suffer”.
- “Shortage” is a countable/uncountable noun often used with the article “a” when singular (“a shortage”).
Concept / Approach:
- Use “suffer from + noun/condition”: “suffer from a shortage of funds”.
- Alternative structures: “face a shortage of funds”, “are short of funds”.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Spot the non-idiomatic phrase “suffer of shortage”.Replace with the idiomatic form: “suffer from a shortage”.The corrected sentence becomes: “We have observed that many good programmes suffer from a shortage of funds and other resources.”Verification / Alternative check:
Check corpus-like intuition: “suffer from flu”, “suffer from lack of …” all take “from”.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A and B are grammatically fine.D completes the object phrase correctly.E is a general label and not a segment; the actual errant segment is C.Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “suffer from” with “suffer” + direct object (“suffer hardship”), where no preposition is used.Final Answer:
suffer of shortage